I found this forum while looking for some information on whether there were, or were not camera restrictions for the games (but i'll be a regular now that i've found it). The first event we'll be attending is up on Cypress & is not exactly a venue that I can just go home to drop my gear from. It's also on day 2 - so I don't expect that there will be a significant amount of "experience" that will have made it to places like this. So, I emailed VANOC on it. Spepcifically asking about my camera, my events & the two lenses I planned on bringing with me:

....Nikon D80 and two lenses - 18-200mm and 17-24mm. Please advise whether this camera lens combination will be permitted to be brought into the following events:

Welcome to the forum Chewy_06. I some how doubt that whoever responded to your email actually knows what a D80 is much less what the 18-200 or 17-24 lenses are. I would call and talk to an actual person, though that's no guarantee either. It seems like you just got a cut and paste answer.

Ultimately it's your choice on whether you want to try to take your gear into the venue. If you are going to "risk it" than just take the 18-200 with you. The less you carry the better I think.

Chewy and Others.....Firstly Chewy the response I got in regards to cameras and venues was from the Media and Photography dept of VANOC Directly when I originally started this thread.

Now an update as I have a Press/Photography Credential and have been taking pictures for almost 2 weeks so far. Unless you have accreditation, to get into events, Forget It. You won't get in if it even resembles a professional camera. I have seen people turned away already with DSLR's because they weren't accredited media. They are searching everyone if they even think somethings up and you have a camera bag of anykind, you'll have to unload everything to be inspected by hand. Even accreditied Photographers get the same treatment every time you enter a venue.

So take your chances if you like, but be prepared to walk all the way back to your car or hotel etc. to take your camera back.

The only suggestion I would make is if you can afford a Lumix GH-1 or can borrow one, that might make it in. its small enough and the lenses are fairly small and may make it through security.

I saw your post about the cameras and was wondering if there was any way you could just forward me the email you got from VANOC regarding cameras.

Like you, I really want to bring my DSLR to the events but VANOC is doing a terrible job of being consistent on its policy. I want to print out a bunch of papers to bring to back it up when I show up at security.

Is there any way you could forward the email to me? You don't have to include your real name if you are worried.

cmykink please use the private message feature to contact and share personal email with members. Like ShadeofBlue said an "automated" email print out means nothing to security at the front gate. I can make up an email from VANOC and print it out too.

PacificEagle is actually there and he has a press pass. If he is telling us not to take a DSLR then I'd listen to him.

It's pretty clear to me. Again PacificEagle has been there for 2 weeks. Don't take a DSLR and lenses unless you want to be sent to the back of the line! Take a point & shoot or superzoom camera instead. Why challenge security at the gate? It is also clear that many events will not allow the use of flash regardless of the camera used.

I have no intent on bringing any sort of flash or camera bag to the event. Just a regular D90 with a regular (small-ish) lens. But that is beside the point.

I don't think it is clear at all. The ONLY "in-venue" events that are open right now are media events and dress rehearsals. There has not been any official public ticketed Olympic events yet. Dress rehearsals are very specific because they do not allow ANY cameras at all because of secrecy for the Opening Ceremonies.

I live in Vancouver and work downtown and keep track of the Games closely (and have media accreditation myself to certain events). Camera restrictions are different for these. Regardless of whether or not PacificEagle has been here for 2 weeks or not has no reflection on the upcoming Games.

The Games have not yet begun so there is no way to say for sure what is going to happen unless VANOC makes an official comment.

I am looking forward to seeing posts in this thread from those attend events in the future to see what their experiences are like.

cmykink said:
I am looking forward to seeing posts in this thread from those attend events in the future to see what their experiences are like.

Then why are you dismissing PacEagle's experience and what he is telling you? If you have media accreditation then you have more channels available to you and find out from VANOC directly. Why ask people in a photo forum for advice?

I value his input and am taking it into consideration, but I am saying that I would like to hear what happens in the future as well. I've asked a number of different people from different channels... VANOC has no official comment so far. Why not ask as many people as possible? Including this forum.

I don't understand why you are trying to discourage questions and discussion on this topic.

Quite simply, because I love photography and I love the cameras that my DSLR takes, and there is no replacement for that in a point and shoot. :) This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that I want to document properly and share for generations to come.

Anyway, we will wait and see. I'm looking forward to the Games either way.

Yes but if you can't get a DSLR in then why risk missing those moments with no camera at all?

But good luck and please share with us your experiences. I think I will start an Olympics pictures only thread for all of you planning to attend the games. You can post pictures to share once the games start. What do you guys think about that? Would you forum members be interested?

I used an advance digital camera (Lumix FZ7)in these camera restricted situations and it works quite well. Normally, as others have stated, they just want to make sure the lens isn't detachable.

My experience has been that shooting outdoors in the sun with this type of camera works very well, in some cases just as good as an entry level DSLR. Sadly, these type of cameras shoot poorly indoors with low light. But if you're shooting an event with a ice floor they work really well because the ice floor reflects the light giving you the light needed to stop the action you're shooting. I have no problem shooting an ice hockey game with my old cheap camera.

Be a good time to buy Nikon's new P100 and give it a try. I think you'll be quite surprised how well this type of camera works shooting action events.

WOW....I really have a hard time believing some of the comments on this thread. So let me say this, it will be the LAST time I try to help people on this forum when they ask for Info.

First, I really don't give a damn who brings in a camera to a Venue or Olympic site....so to comment on what a professional photogrrapher does and doesn't want people to bring is simply ridiculous. I'm there to get my shots. I don't care what others are shooting, if I get a great shot good for me. As far as what you get, I really could care less. Don't group all professional Photographers into the BAD guy group.....some of us are actually decent people.

I posted the INFO to make everyone's life on this forum easier on them if they are coming to Vancouver 2010, or even if you live here. None of you have been in any of the meetings or security briefings here, and the info I gave you is not Biased, its directly from someone in authority here in Vancouver with VANOC. If you don't believe me phone VANOC Media dept yourselfs and talk to them, you'll get the same info I gave you. There number is on the VANOC website.

So listen or Not....I really don't care!!!! If you manage to get your DSLR in....good for you...But remember this one thing....there is more security inside the venue as well and they are watching everyone as well. So if you do get it in, be prepared to have it confiscated, or be escorted out and asked to leave.

Funny how so many people get into this big war about bringing bigger camera gear to events like this. Could you imagine if you had thousands of people with huge cameras fighting for position to get their best shoots. Yes I totally understand why they are banned. Sort of like if everyone at a BMX race were running around the track trying to get their best shot, I have to get permission to walk on the track

I hope that some you going to the games can post pictures and yes Niko you should start a thread for the Games

PacificEagle said:
WOW....I really have a hard time believing some of the comments on this thread. So let me say this, it will be the LAST time I try to help people on this forum when they ask for Info.

First, I really don't give a damn who brings in a camera to a Venue or Olympic site....so to comment on what a professional photogrrapher does and doesn't want people to bring is simply ridiculous. I'm there to get my shots. I don't care what others are shooting, if I get a great shot good for me. As far as what you get, I really could care less. Don't group all professional Photographers into the BAD guy group.....some of us are actually decent people.

I posted the INFO to make everyone's life on this forum easier on them if they are coming to Vancouver 2010, or even if you live here. None of you have been in any of the meetings or security briefings here, and the info I gave you is not Biased, its directly from someone in authority here in Vancouver with VANOC. If you don't believe me phone VANOC Media dept yourselfs and talk to them, you'll get the same info I gave you. There number is on the VANOC website.

So listen or Not....I really don't care!!!! If you manage to get your DSLR in....good for you...But remember this one thing....there is more security inside the venue as well and they are watching everyone as well. So if you do get it in, be prepared to have it confiscated, or be escorted out and asked to leave.

Niko...thanks for the support, as always, Caio All... Keith

No, my comment was not directed towards you, it was directed towards the policy of the Olympic committee on photography in general. Please be aware that I am not knowledgeable of previous photographic policies of any other Olympics, it's just that it seems like it would be a hoot to photograph the Olymics, with a DSLR or not. Obviously, it's easier with a DSLR and a the assortment of lenses you could use instead of a superzoom.

Sorry if that caused any issues there.

By the way, I am glad you posted the limitations on photography gear, it would keep a lot of people out of a huge inconvenience if they assumed they'd be allowed in with a D300s and a 70-200 VR.

It's just frustrating that you're not allowed in with camera gear. That's all.

Keith, I wasn't saying anything about you when I agreed with NSX's comment, either. I think most pro photographers would agree with you, too, that it doesn't matter what average spectators bring in because they're just not going to get the images you get. I'd guess it's a vocal minority that lobbied for the ban. I can't see how it could really be for security, so what other explanation could there be?

Thanks for starting this thread and finding out the info for everyone, Keith. It looks like it's helped a lot of people searching for information that VANOC isn't making easy to find.

I know what you mean PacEagle. The VANOC rules aren't out of the ordinary. Most major events are similarly restricted such as concerts, and other sporting events. It has nothing to do with amateurs versus professional photographers.

It has to do with controlling the copyright of the event organizer. If they let everyone and their mother walk in with a D3S or D3X with 400mm or 600mm lenses they would have a hard time controlling what people do with those images. They don't want you to take photos of the event yourself, they want you to buy the photo from their official sponsors.

Safety is another reason. A big camera and lens or large camera bag and tripod becomes a hazard and gets in the way if there is an emergency and you have to evacuate several thousand people from tight seating in a stadium.